Review Toyota Verso-S hatchback

The Verso-S specialises in practicality. Thanks to its clever use of space, lots of secret compartments and a triple-layered glovebox, you'll have no shortage of places to store your luggage. The 1.33-litre engine borrowed from the Toyota iQ feels underpowered though." The Verso S is a stylish and practical car that offers drivers very competent handling with very few thrills. It's a shame that the 1.33-litre petrol unit is the only engine available, because it can feel underpowered and slow. Keen drivers should steer clear of the CVT gearbox because it can be noisy and blunts acceleration even further. Drive3.9 /5 1.33-litre engine can feel slow but handling is good The 1.33-litre petrol engine feels underpowered in the Verso-S, whether you go for the six-speed manual or the CVT automatic. Choose the former, and it's easier to keep the engine working in the right rev range. While the CVT has better economy figures, it allows the engine to rev noisily when you accelerate. Through corners, the Verso S is very competent, but not a lot of fun. Comfort3.9 /5 Ride may be too firm for some The surprising thing about the Toyota Verso-S is how firm the ride is. It does make for a very agile car, but over rough roads and long distances, the stiffness really begins to show, and you can become quite uncomfortable. As already mentioned, cars equipped with the CVT gearbox will be noisier than those without. Reliability4.1 /5 Buyers shouldn't encounter any major issues All of the major parts in the Verso-S have been successfully used elsewhere in the Toyota line-up. That means buyers can expect to have very few problems with their new car. There is no official safety rating from Euro NCAP just yet, but with seven airbags and standard stability control, it will be a safe place to be. Practicality4.2 /5 Interior is clever with plenty of room in the boot Boot space stands at 429 litres if you go for a tyre repair kit, rather than a spare wheel, otherwise this figure will be 393 litres. To increase the load area there is a pair of handles in the boot which fold the seats down easily and increase space to 1388 litres. Unlike most rivals in the mini MPV class, the rear seats don't slide to maximise boot or passenger space when needed. Value for money4.3 /5 Trim levels are simple and generous The Verso-S is available in TR and T-Spirit trims with the former being the cheaper of the two. Still, buyers get Bluetooth, USB and even a reversing camera. Go for the range topping T-Spirit and Toyota will include air-con and alloy wheels. Buyers can also specify a leather pack, navigation pack or style pack. Running costs3.9 /5 Petrol engine isn't very efficient, but CVT gearbox helps matters With the manual gearbox, the Verso-S boasts CO2 emissions of 127g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 51.4mpg. Unusually, the CVT gearbox is actually more efficient and claims figures of 120g/km and 54.3mpg combined.